HMCS Okanagan
Collides with RFA Grey Rover, 1973.
On July 28, 1973 HMCS Okanagan and RFA Grey Rover collided in the Clyde Estuary. Okanagan's conning tower was extensively damaged by Grey Rover's propeller. See this account of the incident written by CPO1 (Ret'd) D.H. "Buster" Brown. And see this account written by Chris Puxley, who was 1st officer of the Grey Rover at the time of the collision.
July 1973: HMCS Okanagan shortly after surfacing after the collision with RFA Grey Rover.
July 1973: A view from forward: Peter Flewwelling and Tug Wilson in conning tower. Ray Middleton removing wreckage.
July 1973: A view of the conning tower: Peter Flewwelling and Tug Wilson.
July 1973: A view of the conning tower: Tug Wilson and Peter Flewwelling.
July 1973: A view of the conning tower while in Faslane.
July 1973: Buster Brown and Tug Wilson making repairs on top of the conning tower.
July 1973: Buster Brown and Tug Wilson making repairs on top of the conning tower.
July 1973: Buster Brown and RN chief making repairs on top of the conning tower.
July 1973: A view of the fin damage.
July 1973: A view of the damage.
July 1973: A view of the damage.
July 1973: A view of the damage.
July 1973: Parts removed on the casing.
July 1973: RN chief and Tug Wilson making repairs on top of conning tower. RFA Grey Rover is in the background.
July 1973: A view of the fin showing the damage.
July 1973: Larry Smith and Richard Patterson.
July 1973: Brian Lapierre amongst the damage.
July 1973: Brian Lapierre amongst the damage.
August 1973: Dave Yeo and Jack Malloy on casing.
August 1973: The temporary fin installed and ready to sail home.
Can you provide details or corrections?
Please email Charlie Dobie.